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Discover San Diego's

Arts & Culture Scene

Creativity Around Every Corner

Photo By Eric Scire
Celebrate the Arts

Known as the Smithsonian of the West, Balboa Park hosts an incredible concentration of arts and culture offerings including 17 museums and performing arts venues. San Diego is also home to two Tony® Award-winning theaters, historic sites, public art, music venues, dance performances, film festivals, galleries, missions and much more to explore.

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

From Balboa Park to Chicano Park to Oceanside, San Diego is home to three state-designated cultural districts that embody the very best of the region.

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024

The spirit, sounds and flavors of southwest Louisiana come alive at the largest and most-authentic Louisiana-themed music and food festival this side of the bayou. With everything from A to Zydeco, this 4-day, family-friendly cultural celebration takes place on picture-perfect San Diego Bay, featuring 100+ live musical acts & performances on 7 stages, wooden dance floors, shade, green grass and plenty of fun for the kids.

Come for the music, stay for the food. Gator By The Bay’s mouthwatering French Quarter Food Court is what foodie dreams are made of. Check off every box on your bayou-inspired culinary bucket list and chow down on authentic Cajun, Creole and Southern culinary delights, including gumbo, jambalaya, beignets and 10,000 pounds of crawfish brought directly from Louisiana. Gator By The Bay is Mardi Gras in May

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

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Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

May 27, 2024

The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and remember them for their ultimate sacrifice to our country.

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Legacy Week

May 24 - May 27, 2024

Join us for Legacy Week at the USS Midway Museum, the centerpiece of Memorial Day celebrations in San Diego. Legacy Week is a heartfelt tribute to our military's valor and sacrifices, offering a series of events designed for everyone to experience the spirit of honor, remembrance, and celebration. From the exhilarating Top Gun Maverick Party & Movie Night and exclusive encounters with aviators with their aircraft to a solemn Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, Legacy Week encapsulates the essence of Memorial Day weekend.

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What's Hot

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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What's On

View More Events

Gator By The Bay-Zydeco, Blues & Crawfish Festival

May 9 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
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Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

May 27, 2024
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Legacy Week

May 24 - May 27, 2024
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Deals just for you

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Accommodation

Coronado Island Resort & Spa

Discover Coronado
Valid: Mar 13 - May 11, 2024

DIAMOND VIP ROOM PACKAGE INCLUDES:   -TWO-NIGHT STAY at stunning island resort hotels checking in Friday, May 10th through Sunday, May 12th. -TWO INVITATIONS to a private VIP Meet The...

Museums

La Mesa Depot Museum

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Valid: Jul 26, 2023 - ongoing

Join us:  Hours for the La Mesa Depot Museum in La Mesa, CA Admission to the La Mesa Depot Museum is always free.  Donations are accepted. Train Display: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week...

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